Leicester Mercury

Tigers add fly-half to the mix

ARGENTINE STAR SIGNED FOR NEXT SEASON TIGERS NEWS

- By BOBBY BRIDGE robert.bridge@reachplc.com

LEICESTER Tigers have signed Argentina internatio­nal fly-half Joaquín Díaz Bonilla ahead of the 2020/21 Gallagher Premiershi­p season.

He makes the move to Welford Road from Super Rugby side the Jaguares.

Bonilla has made four internatio­nal appearance­s for the Los Pumas since his debut in 2018 and has previously represente­d Argentina at Under20 level.

The 31-yearold made more than 130 appearance­s for Argentinia­n club Hindu before joining the Jaguares in 2017, ahead of their second

Super Rugby season, and played a starring role in the run to the 2019 Super Rugby Final alongside future Tigers team-mates Tomas Lavanini and Matias Moroni. Tigers director of rugby Geordan Murphy, left, said: “Joaquín is a very exciting addition for us and we are looking forward to welcoming him to Leicester ahead of next season’s campaign. “He will add valuable depth to our squad and alongside George [Ford], Zack [Henry] and Johnny McPhillips, provide plenty of healthy competitio­n in a key position, which is a positive thing for us as we continue on this journey.

Murphy also believes his contributi­on off the pitch will be a boost to the club.

He said: “In our conversati­ons with Joaquín, what has stood out is his positive character and energetic personalit­y.

“We have been very open about wanting good people as much as good players, who are willing to work hard and live up to the standards we have set, and Joaquín is very excited to be a part of what we are building in Leicester.”

Bonilla joins fellow Argentina internatio­nal Matías Moroni and South African back-rower Jasper Wiese as additions to the Leicester Tigers squad ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

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 ?? GETTY IMAGES ?? FROM JAGUARES TO THE TIGERS: Argentine fly-half Joaquín Díaz Bonilla
BOOKMAKERS have priced Leicester Tigers as long shots to win the European Challenge Cup,
GETTY IMAGES FROM JAGUARES TO THE TIGERS: Argentine fly-half Joaquín Díaz Bonilla BOOKMAKERS have priced Leicester Tigers as long shots to win the European Challenge Cup,
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